No, I have not tried a lower temp thermostat, but that is an option. At first I wanted to put a blower fan in front of the radiator but after removing a bunch of stuff trying to gain access, I gave up because I realized the entire front of the car needs to be removed to get there. It is more work than I am willing to do.
This is a 2016 Ford Escape with AWD, 240HP 2.0L Ecoboost engine, and the factory towing package that includes the "Super Cooling" option. I suspect the cooling option is what makes it so difficult to get to the space in front of the radiator. Everything is completely boxed in. In fact, there is a panel below the engine that covers everything at the front. That panel must be partially removed to do a simple oil and filter change. Seems to me that this panel helps to trap the heat in the engine compartment. It has an 8" x 2.5" scoop opening on the right front for air to enter the compartment.
I have to say the cooling system isn't very super.